Brahmapur: A 35-year-old man facing multiple criminal cases was brutally hacked to death in broad daylight at Jogiapalli village under Nimakhandi police limits in Ganjam district Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Santosh Patra. He sustained 15 to 20 sword injuries. His father, B Tomeya Patra, was also attacked with a sword when he tried to intervene. Preliminary investigation suggests that the murder may have been premeditated, police sources said.
The incident triggered panic in the village. Police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation with the help of a scientific team and a sniffer dog. Based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s wife, B Pooja Patra, police registered a murder case (350/26) and launched an investigation.
The two main accused Rohit Goud and Alok Sahu, reportedly fled after committing the murder. Police have detained their family members for questioning. Two special teams have been formed to trace and nab the accused. Sources said that several criminal cases, including murder, robbery and extortion, were pending against Santosh.
A local Kothisala festival is currently underway in the village. Santosh’s alleged high-handedness had reportedly led to repeated confrontations with Rohit and his associates. The tension escalated Saturday evening when Santosh and Rohit had another altercation.
However, local residents intervened and managed to pacify both sides. The incident occurred Sunday morning when Santosh, his father and other family members went near Rohit’s house and allegedly picked a quarrel. As an argument broke out between the two families, Rohit and his associate Alok chased Santosh through the village street and repeatedly attacked him with swords. When Santosh’s father tried to stop them, the assailants attacked him as well. The brutal assault terrified residents, who shut their doors and windows and remained inside. By the time police reached the spot after receiving information, Santosh was lying in a pool of blood and had succumbed to his injuries.
